Patient Experiences With Outpatient Pharmacy Services in Hospitals Using Automated Pharmacy Systems: Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study explores patient satisfaction with outpatient pharmacy services in hospitals using automated systems.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into patient experiences and satisfaction with automated pharmacy systems in Kuwaiti hospitals.

Findings

95% of participants were satisfied with automated pharmacy services.

Patients reported benefits like time savings and easier access to prescription information.

Most participants believed automated systems help prevent medication errors.

Abstract

Advancements in health technology and the adoption of electronic systems in hospital pharmacies have transformed pharmacy practice and service delivery, with patients and health care providers reporting perceived benefits related to patient care and safety. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to seek patients’ opinions based on their experiences in receiving outpatient pharmacy services through automated pharmacy systems.

This study aimed to investigate patients’ experiences and explore their satisfaction with outpatient pharmacy services in hospitals using automated pharmacy systems.

This cross-sectional study used an online questionnaire to assess patients’ experiences of outpatient pharmacy services in governmental hospitals in Kuwait where automated pharmacy systems are implemented.

Almost 95% (393/416) of the participants either agreed or strongly agreed that they were totally satisfied with the services delivered through the automated pharmacy systems. Participants reported the perceived benefits of these outpatient pharmacy services, including perceived prevention of medication errors (211/416, 50.7%), time savings (356/416, 85.6%), and easier access to prescription information at any time (249/416, 59.9%).

Patients’ experiences with outpatient pharmacy services in automated pharmacy settings were generally positive, reflecting satisfaction with medication collection and service quality.

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